[Epidemiological profile of drug addiction in college students]

Abstract

Exploratory study with quantitative method. Data were obtained through a closed and structured questionnaire, self-administered to 500 undergraduates. Data processing and discussion was based on simple and stratified frequencies. In total, 185 (37.1%) students consumed or had used drugs at least once in life. Initial consumption started between the ages of 13 and 21 years. Alcohol is shown as the first drug, followed by snuff and, in descending order, marijuana, benzodiazepines and amphetamines. Regarding self-perception of the effect of drugs among users, this group showed a trend to deny that drugs exert some impact on their academic performance, showing that drugs use is not perceived as a problem if it affects only themselves, but is perceived as a problem if affecting fellow students when consuming drugs.